Raleigh Rebuild Lyceum
Housing Guidance Series™

What to Do If You Are Behind on Housing Payments

Practical steps and resources for Raleigh residents facing housing payment difficulties. Clear guidance without pressure or urgency.

March 2026 15 min read Financial Guidance

This guide provides general educational information. It does not constitute financial or legal advice. Consult appropriate professionals for your specific situation.

The First Thing to Do: Stop and Breathe

If you are behind on housing payments, it is understandable to feel stressed, anxious, or even panicked. These feelings are normal responses to a difficult situation. But panic-driven decisions are rarely good decisions.

The most important first step is to take a breath and commit to addressing the situation methodically rather than reactively. Most housing payment problems have solutions—the key is finding the right path for your specific circumstances.

The earlier you act, the more options you typically have. Do not wait until the situation becomes a crisis. If you know you will have trouble making a payment, contact your landlord or lender immediately.

Step 1: Understand Exactly Where You Stand

Before you can solve the problem, you need a clear picture of your situation:

  • How much are you behind? Calculate the exact amount owed including any late fees.
  • How much time do you have? When is your next payment due? When will late fees escalate?
  • What are your other financial obligations? Understanding your complete financial picture helps prioritize.
  • What resources do you have? Do you have assets you could liquidate, family who could help, or assistance programs you qualify for?

Step 2: Communicate Immediately With Your Landlord

This is the single most important step. Contact your landlord before the situation gets worse. Most landlords would rather work out a solution than go through the eviction process.

  • Be honest about your situation and your ability to pay
  • Propose a specific solution—whether that is a payment plan, partial payment now, or a timeline for catching up
  • Get any agreement in writing
  • Document all communication

Step 3: Explore Assistance Programs

Several types of assistance may be available depending on your situation:

Emergency Rental Assistance

Federal and state programs may provide emergency rental assistance for qualified households. Contact Wake County Human Services or 2-1-1.

Nonprofit Programs

Local nonprofits may offer emergency assistance for rent, utilities, or other housing costs. See our Community Resources directory.

HUD Counseling

HUD-approved housing counselors can provide free advice about options, including loan modification for homeowners.

Utility Assistance

LIHEAP and other programs can help with heating and cooling costs, freeing up money for housing payments.

Step 4: Consider Your Long-Term Options

If short-term solutions do not resolve the problem, you may need to consider longer-term options:

  • Negotiate an exit — If staying is not viable, negotiate a mutual agreement to end the lease without an eviction on your record.
  • Downsize or relocate — Moving to more affordable housing may be the most sustainable solution.
  • Seek additional income — Temporary measures like taking on additional work, selling items, or reducing other expenses may help bridge the gap.
  • Consult an attorney — If facing eviction, legal aid can help you understand your options and potentially delay or prevent eviction.

Key Reminder

The most important thing is to act early and communicate honestly. Most problems have solutions if addressed promptly. Waiting until eviction proceedings begin significantly reduces your options.